David Pullinger, the author who analysed the data, told the Independent newspaper the findings were a “time bomb” for the church.

Saying people felt “incredibly loyal” to the institution, he added: “One of the key findings was that they felt embraced but whilst this should be something warm they said they often felt isolated and lonely.

“They say they are accepted but they are not included socially. They feel invisible and think about leaving.

"This is a time bomb for the church. All their natural contact points with the community tend to be with families - people coming forward for marriage, births and through Sunday school and church groups.”

He added the church must now take single people “serious”, while considering how to make them feel comfortable.

Jackie Elton, founder of Christian Connection told the newspaper she hoped churches would now learn from the findings.

“Single people often feel marginalised in churches which concentrate on the needs of families. However, as the number of single people grows in society, it is more important than ever that churches identify ways to make them feel welcome and fully included.